Amtrak Line From Indy to Chicago Gets Two-Year Deal

By
Brandon Smith

Posted August 1, 2015

Indiana has a new contract in place securing the future of the Hoosier State Rail Line, which runs from Indianapolis to Chicago, for the next two years.

The deal between the state, Amtrak and Iowa Pacific begins Sunday after months of negotiation and uncertainty.

INDOT began seeking alternative contractors to run the rail line after the U.S. Congress cut off $3 million in funding for the line in 2013. INDOT was negotiating with contractor Corridor Capital to take over the Hoosier State line, but those negotiations ended in November.

Under the new deal, Amtrak will operate the line, while Iowa Pacific will be responsible for train equipment and maintenance.

The line will feature free Wi-Fi and food service.

Tickets will range from $24 to $48 each way. If ticket sales don’t cover all expenses, Indiana will pay Amtrak the difference.

The Indiana Department of Transportation expects the state to pay nearly $300,000 a month, with about $21,000 coming from local communities along the line.

The state will receive 25 percent of Iowa Pacific’s profits, and if ticket revenue ever exceeds expenses, INDOT will receive the overage.